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Monday Morning Memo

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Monday, February 5, 2018

Partnership Presents

Development Forum, March 23

Be sure to mark your calendar for March 23 from 7:30am until noon for our 22nd Annual Development Forum. This half-day event focuses on the exploration of innovative ideas in urban development and serves as a catalyst for discussion and problem solving for major urban issues. Attendees hear from developers and industry experts on the front lines of the most significant projects in downtown and learn about Tampa’s city center progress in economic development, transportation, and commercial and residential development. The event features local and national keynote speakers who provide insights on the state of downtown as well as provide recommendations for future improvements. Additionally, representatives from some of the most significant and innovative Downtown industries give “barometer” reports of activities in their respective business sectors and provide a picture of how each sector is performing and what to expect in the near future. Each year, hundreds of downtown stakeholders, urban planners, developers, real estate professionals, property owners, public officials, non-profit organizations, and arts and entertainment professionals and those interested in improving downtown are in attendance. Mark your calendar, tell your colleagues, and we look forward to seeing you there! Register today. #DevelopmentForum2018

Best Workplace for Commuters

Tampa Downtown Partnership has been named one of the Best Workplaces for CommutersSM in 2018 for offering exceptional employee-provided commuter benefits that meet the National Standard of Excellence criteria. “Tampa Downtown Partnership is on the cutting edge of a national movement,” said Julie Bond, Program Manager, Best Workplaces for Commuters. “They have listened to their employees’ challenges with traffic congestion and their concerns over reducing emissions. By offering a range of commuter benefits such as subsiding bus fares, carpooling programs and access to Emergency Ride Home programs, the Partnership gives its employees the support they need to get to and from work so they can be at their best. These benefits are good for the company and its employees.” “We take pride in receiving our 2018 Best Workplaces for Commuters national designation,” said Karen Kress, AICP Director of Transportation and Planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We also enjoy helping other downtown businesses offer the same benefits to their workforce through the development of an Employee Transportation Plan,” said Kress. “There are so many mobility options in our Downtown that many people don’t know exist. Through an Employee Transportation Plan, we are able to sit down with employers to explore options that meet their needs.” Read the full press release.

Member Exclusive Mixer

Being a member of the Tampa Downtown Partnership means you and your company are committed to promoting smart growth in downtown and advancing downtown Tampa’s position as the vital urban center for the region. As a thank you for your continued support, the Partnership would like to invite our members to the Tampa Bay History Center on Wednesday, February 7th from 5:30 to 7:30pm for an Exclusive Member Mixer. Our guests will enjoy a members-only gallery preview before Treasure Seekers officially opens to the public, authentic Tampa-Cuban hors devours from the Columbia Cafe, a cash bar, and the view from the History Center’s outdoor Crow’s Nest overlooking the Riverwalk and the Port of Tampa. Become a member and join us.

Join us at the Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta

Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta is a monthly event that provides an opportunity for Tampa Bay Area food trucks to showcase their food to Tampa’s Downtown. Food trucks line Lykes Gaslight Square Park from 11am until 2pm serving up their specialty dishes. Enjoy your lunch on a blanket underneath the shade of trees in the park, or pull up a chair at one of the tables provided. This month the following food trucks will be present; ‘Merica, The Surly Mermaid, Maggie on the Move, Just Smokin’ BBQ, Empamamas, Michelle Faedo on the Go, Doobie’s Southern Kitchen, Cheesesteak Truck, Smokin’ Bowls, Twisted Indian, and Herring’s Catch. Get more information.

Your Downtown Calendar

The following is just a sample of upcoming events in Downtown Tampa. Visit the Downtown Tampa Events Calendar for a more comprehensive list. Going to one of the events? Snap a photo and tag #UrbanInsiderTPA

Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta

Wednesday, February 7, 11am to 2pm
Lykes Gaslight Square
Looking for a larger selection of lunch options? Step outside for a meal in the park! Choose from a wide variety of local food trucks serving up all sorts of delicious culinary creations. You’ll have your pick of dishes from plenty of delectable kitchens on wheels! For more information, go to Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta.

Artist Lecture with Jean Pagliuso

Friday, February 9, begins 6pm
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Following a 30-year career as a portrait photographer for major publications, Jean Pagliuso decided to turn her lens on a less traditional subject: chickens. What began as a way to honor her father’s love of breeding show chickens has since become an extensive collection of poultry portraits. In this lecture centered around her current exhibition, Poultry, Raptors, Places of Ritual, Pagliuso will talk about the process behind her close-up shots of over 20 different chicken breeds. For more information, go to Artist Lecture with Jean Pagliuso.

brownsville song (b-side for Tray)

Friday, February 9 to Sunday, February 25
Stageworks Theatre
Set in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, this show is a powerful tale of resilience in the face of tragedy and a poignant story for our time. Moving fluidly between past and present, this bold new play tells the story of Tray, a spirited African-American 18-year-old and his family, who must hold on to hope when Tray’s life is cut short. For more information, go to brownsville song (b-side for Tray).

Young Directors’ Film Festival

Saturday, February 10, begins 11:30am
Tampa Museum of Art
A showcase of the best teen-directed short films in the Tampa area. High school students in Tampa Bay were invited to submit any genre of short film and the top 10 were chosen to be screened at the festival for the directors, their families, and friends. This event is open to the public, so grab a seat to see some of Tampa’s up and coming film talent showing their skills! For more information, go to Young Directors’ Film Festival.

Doing Business in Downtown

Retail Spotlight: Don Me Now

Don Me Now, a women’s contemporary boutique in business for nearly five years in Hyde Park Village, is moving into the Channel District and opening Tampa’s first champagne bar, Bubbly Barchique within the space. They are putting the final touches to the new store located at 1211 E Kennedy Blvd. and plan to open in the coming weeks. Don Me Now started just as a styling and wardrobe for clients, and then decided to open a store to have one place to cohesively do both. After serving complimentary champagne at their Hyde Park location where they couldn’t sell it, they quickly learned that champagne and fashion works, and hope to be known now for their champagne bar as well as their clothing. Read the full Tampa Bay Times article.

Harbourside Animal Hospital is celebrating National Pet Dental Health Month! From February 1st – 28th, Harbourside is offering $50.00 off a professional veterinary dental cleaning for dogs and cats. Contact them for information and to schedule by calling 813-229-3322.

The Vault is celebrating Valentine’s Day with an evening of romance featuring sensual live entertainment, sexy crafted cocktails, and scintillating food. Throughout the night live musicians, dancers and performance artists from around the world will create a sultry atmosphere of nonstop entertainment. $100/person includes valet parking, champagne cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, dessert buffet, & live performances. Cash bar available. All guests must be at least 21 years of age.

Bizou Brasserie celebrates Valentine’s Day with their Love in Santa Margherita: Valentine Wine Dinner. Bizou is capturing your heart with five delicious courses this Valentine’s Day, each expertly paired with innovative Santa Margherita Wines. Explore the wines that live up to your life along with the food that you’ll forever taste in your memories. Guests should arrive at 6:30pm with dinner starting at 7pm. Reservations required.

CW’s Gin Joint is featured in Creative Loafing’s annual Cocktail Issue. “Upon entering this elegant place with an updated speakeasy ambience, you feel like you’ve gone back in time — in a good way. It’s as if the old-fashioned yet something-for-everyone bar has encapsulated the experience of drinking in the 1920s. The cocktail menu overflows with classics that every connoisseur should be familiar with, and not just gin, either.”

Over its 91-year history, Tampa Theatre has starred in the love stories of many Bay-area romantics: from first dates under the starry sky to stolen kisses in the balcony; from “meet cutes” under the historic marquee to Hollywood-dream proposals on the stage. If Tampa’s majestic movie palace is part of your love story – or if you would like it to be – you are invited to spend a romantic evening under the stars with Valentine’s Vows and a classic romantic comedy at Tampa Theatre on Wednesday, February 14! At 7:00pm, the Right Reverend John Bell (also known as Tampa Theatre President & CEO John Bell, armed with an internet-official certificate of ordination) will invite married couples to participate in an en masse renewal of their wedding vows. A At 7:00pm, the Right Reverend John Bell (also known as Tampa Theatre President & CEO John Bell, armed with an internet-official certificate of ordination) will invite married couples to participate in an en masse renewal of their wedding vows. After the nuptials, Nora Ephron’s rom-com classic When Harry Met Sally… will provide the perfect excuse to sneak an arm around your date. To register for the vows, please contact Jill Witecki at jill@tampatheatre.org or 813.274.8287.

Burgerim to Open Soon Downtown

Imagine that, a fast-casual burger concept with a twist is set to open in downtown Tampa on East Polk and North Franklin, just around the corner from Kahwa Coffee. Actually referred to as a “shiny new concept” in the form of gourmet sliders, Burgerim has been on the fast track to growth since their first location opened in 2011. Pick from 16 of their slider-like 2.8 ounce patties with the option to customize each. Protein options include beef, turkey, lamb, dry aged beef, chicken, chorizo, salmon, veggie, wagyu and Merguez, or spicy beef and top it with any of their savory sauces including, you guessed it, a special house sauce. Along with the traditional lettuce, onions, and tomato, you can pick from nine additional toppings, from classic grilled onions to a sunny side up egg on a regular, wheat, or gluten-free bun. Petite burgers aren’t the only offering; Burgerim also offers chicken and ribeye sandwiches, wings, salads, desserts and, of course, fries.“Burgerim Expands into Downtown Tampa” – That’s So Tampa

Gasparilla Music Festival Adds to Lineup

Warpaint was supposed to be the sole opening act on a summer tour with Depeche Mode, and that tour was supposed to stop in Tampa in September, but Hurricane Irma had other plans. Thankfully Gasparilla Music Festival (GMF) has stepped up to bring the L.A. indie-rock quartet — which put a hypnotic, grunge, shoegaze and even dance music melding sound to tape on an excellent 2016 album, Heads Up — to town before the group heads to Asia for a six-show run opening for Harry Styles. The girls will have plenty of company, too. Joining Warpaint in GMF’s lineup additions are roots-rock supergroup Hard Working Americans (led by Todd Snider who is joined by Widespread Panic’s Dave School and Duane Trucks, Chris Robinson Brotherhood’s Neal Casal and Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi), Grammy-nominated blues power-trio The Record Company and rebellious Nashville country singer-songwriter Nikki Lane.“Gasparilla Music Festival 2018: Warpaint, The Record Company And Hard Working Americans Lead Latest Round Of Lineup Additions” – Creative Loafing

Development and Transportation

Water Street Planning Flexible Parking Garages

When the first phase of Water Street Tampa opens in two to three years, it will include the parking garages typical of a downtown area in a car-dependent region. However, these expensive garages may not always be necessary, as there is a possibility that in 20 to 30 years, the Tampa Bay transit system and autonomous vehicles will evolve to the point that cars aren’t needed in the downtown area. Even though there has been an influx of resident in the urban core of Tampa, most people that work in Tampa are still commuters, so the parking garage is needed. Thus, developers are making the parking structures flexible to be able to convert to whatever makes the most sense in the future.“Vinik: Water Street Tampa Planning For ‘Flexible’ Parking Garages That Can Be Converted To Other Uses” – Tampa Bay Business Journal

Redevelopment Fears

As the city pushes forth with redevelopment plans meant to shift the focus of downtown toward the waterfront, the face of Tampa is constantly changing, and it’s happening right before our eyes. New people, new construction for homes and offices – there’s a radical shift taking place, and although the cranes and bulldozers seemed to pop up overnight, the foundation for Tampa’s renaissance was laid years ago, largely with Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s InVision Tampa plan. InVision Tampa is a sweeping reinvestment plan that places heavy emphasis on the city’s urban core, making it a more walkable and livable place to be. A major part of InVision Tampa includes the West River Master Plan, a strategy for redeveloping 120 acres of West Tampa between the Hillsborough River, Rome Ave, I-275 and Columbus Drive. However, some West Tampa natives fear gentrification.“Changing Face Of Tampa: Winners and Losers In The Push For Redevelopment” – 10 News

Kriseman Wants to Bring Back Cross Bay Ferry

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman is confident the Cross Bay Ferry will return for round two later this year. Kriseman wasn’t able to arrange a return this season due to lack of financial support, but expects to be able to raise the money necessary ahead of the cold season later this year, when a ferry is available to use from northern states. While the funding appears doable, there are still some challenges. St. Pete officials would have to find a new place for the boat to dock. The space used during the pilot project was near the St. Petersburg Museum of History and that space will be under construction in November when service would begin. But Kriseman said he has “better than 50/50” confidence in bringing the ferry back. The Hillsborough County Commission set aside $22 million it hopes to use the money for future ferry service and signed off on $750,000 for a professional design and engineering study for the MacDill route, but the process is slow going, with a route not expected anytime soon.“Kriseman Gears Up For A Cross Bay Ferry Comeback” – Tampa Bay Business Journal

Up to Bat, Tampa’s CEOs

The latest news, as reported by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, is that the Rays will soon announce that the Ybor City proposal is their top site for a location. If you’ve been paying attention, that’s no shocker. Getting closer to the bay area’s business center has long been viewed as the antidote for the team’s lackluster attendance. What’s far less certain is who pays for what. And that, presumably, will be part of the team’s announcement. If a stadium is to be built in Ybor City, it is going to require a much greater commitment from the business community than what we’ve previously seen. That means major corporations buying sponsorships and suites. That means smaller businesses buying season tickets. That means providing the Rays with a more dependable revenue stream. The other tricky part of the announcement will be St. Petersburg’s role.“Now Batting In Rays Stadium Debate: Tampa’s CEOs” – Tampa Bay Times

Plaza Construction Sees Demand in Tampa

Plaza Construction set up a small office in downtown Tampa in December — one with three employees, inside the Industrious co-working space in the SunTrust Financial Centre, but now the company is looking to expand. The Tampa Bay area is showing job and people growth, which makes it an attractive construction market to not only Plaza Construction, but 15 other general contracting firms that have entered the market in the last two years. Although real estate is a cyclical industry, Plaza is not expecting a downturn in Tampa for the next four to five years, because of the demand that currently exists here. According to Todd Fultz, who oversees the Plaza Tampa office, edgier high-profile designs are in the works for Tampa, and the market is shifting towards a more modern look.“New York’s Plaza Construction, Opening A Tampa Office, Sees ‘Four To Five Years’ Of Pent-Up Demand Here– Tampa Bay Business Journal

Member Corner

Moss Celebrates Groundbreaking

On Jan. 10, Moss celebrated the groundbreaking of the $80 million Icon Central mixed-used development in downtown St. Petersburg. The upscale multifamily highrise is being developed by Miami-based The Related Group and will include 368 residential units as well a total renovation of the 1926 Union Trust Bank building. The 15-story luxury apartment complex – located at 801 Central Avenue— is being built in a contemporary federal architecture style, and will wrap around the historic bank building which will be transformed into 15,000 square feet of retail space. Completion is slated for mid-2019, with units ranging from 542 to 1,470 square feet. The tower will also include 19,000 square feet of street-level retail.“Moss Celebrates Groundbreaking of The Related Group’s $80 Million Icon Central” – Tampa Bay Newswire

HART Previews Mission MAX Improvements

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) Interim CEO Jeff Seward, community leaders and customers will introduce several service improvements to the new Mission MAX Network at a press conference taking place at the Brandon Bus Stop at the Westfield Mall. Beginning Feb. 25, 2018, HART will put in place a series of route and schedule modifications based on feedback received from riders, stakeholders and bus operators since launching the redesigned system last October. The announced service enhancements are expected to improve frequency, reduce overcrowding and improve on-time performance.

Greenberg Traurig Shareholder Elected to Board

Greenberg Traurig, P.A. Shareholder Peter W. Zinober has been elected to the board of directors for the Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA). The Warehouse Arts District Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization dedicated to building and sustaining a vibrant arts community in St. Petersburg. The group supports the success of all artists and the community at large through community revitalization, marketing, advocacy and educational programming within the Warehouse Arts District.“Greenberg Traurig Shareholder Peter W. Zinober Elected to WADA Board of Directors” – Tampa Bay Newswire

Tampa Electric to Pass on Savings to Customers

Tampa Electric Co. customers might not be paying any hurricane recovery costs after all. The Tampa-based utility filed with regulators late Tuesday to eliminate what would have been an extra $4 on customers’ bills for storm response efforts. The move was triggered by the savings that the utility anticipates under the new federal tax law. Tampa Electric filed at the end of last year to collect $88 million from customers, which would have paid for recovery efforts following Hurricane Irma and replenished the utility’s hurricane reserves, which were depleted by named storms in recent years. Tampa Electric’s filing, a release said, is backed by the Office of Public Counsel and the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, which both advocate on behalf of consumers.“Tampa Electric Files to Pass On Tax Savings to Customers” – Tampa Bay Times

Hill Ward Henderson Shareholder Joins Board

Hill Ward Henderson is proud to announce Shareholder Katherine E. “Katie” Cole was elected to serve as the 2018 Board Chair of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC). Ms. Cole has been involved as a member of the CRCC’s Executive Committee since 2015, and was introduced as Chair at the CRCC’s 96th Annual Meeting. Established in 1922, the CRCC focuses on promoting the economic growth of Clearwater, assisting its members to grow through educational forums, committees, and networking opportunities, and showcasing the area as a world-class tourist destination. Today, representing more than 1,700 member businesses, the CRCC is one of the largest chambers in the Bay area and has become a large and powerful voice for its members through its ability to partner with other agencies and advocate on behalf of business and our members.

Tindale Oliver Earns Designation

Tindale Oliver has been named one of the Best Workplaces for CommutersSM in 2018 for offering exceptional employee-provided commuter benefits that meet the National Standard of Excellence criteria. Tindale Oliver is among a select group of workplaces in the United States that have committed to employee-provided commuter benefits that result in at least 14 percent of their employee base not driving alone to work within a 12-month period. Since 1989, Tindale Oliver has provided industry-leading transportation, community planning, and design, transit, and public finance solutions to public and private clients throughout the US. Tindale Oliver is headquartered in Tampa and has offices in Orlando, Bartow, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, Naples, Baltimore, and Seattle.

Around Town

CarLotz Opens First Store in Tampa

CarLotz, a Virginia-based used car company, opened its Tampa location today — its first in the state. The company will hire between 15 and 20 employees for sales, reconditioning and administration. CarLotz’s 10,000-square-foot store is located at 801 E. Bearss Ave. and can house 300 vehicles. CarLotz — which has five locations between Virginia and North Carolina — touts its business model as a way to bring in top dollar for a used car. For a flat fee, CarLotz will prepare a vehicle for sale, market it nationwide, manage buyer questions and conduct test drives from its retail stores, negotiate a deal on the seller’s behalf, and then cut them a check when the vehicle sells.“Virginia-Based Carlotz Opens First Store in Tampa, State” – TBO.com

4th Annual Techstars Startup Week

Techstars will hold its fourth annual Startup Week Tampa Bay from Feb. 12 to 16 at various locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. This five-day event is open to all local entrepreneurs who want to network with their peers and hear from experts on how to start and grow their business. This year’s event features 14 custom industry tracks ranging from cyber security to food and beverage. Attendees will experience networking socials, panel discussions, and expert speakers who specialize in various industries. Celebrity entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author, Gary Vaynerchuk, will headline a marquee event on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tampa Theatre where he will offer lessons and inspiration on how entrepreneurs can build thriving businesses and extraordinary personal brands.“Tampa Bay Hosts 4th Annual Techstars Startup Week Feb. 12-16 To Help Accelerate Local Entrepreneurs” – PRWeb.com

Transformational Change in West Tampa

The West Tampa neighborhood’s official boundaries are the Hillsborough River on the east, Hillsborough Avenue on the north, Dale Mabry Highway on the west and Kennedy Boulevard on the south. So, far from being a neighborhood of shuttered or repurposed cigar factories, West Tampa is an ethnically and commercially diverse and dynamic area that includes the University of Tampa, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Raymond James Stadium and that stretch of Columbus Drive nicknamed “Boliche Boulevard” that’s home to many of Tampa’s best Spanish and Cuban restaurants. West Tampa is also home to a growing number of businesses, large and small, that are discovering West Tampa’s accessibility and (for the moment at least) affordability.“New Homes, Investments Spur Transformational Change In West Tampa” – 83 Degrees

How to Create Walkable Urban Housing

Think about those four-plexes you see in some of Tampa’s older neighborhoods — two long and narrow apartments on the ground floor, topped by two more on top, stacked like cigar boxes. They’re more than just a charming anachronism from the Jazz Age days of Hyde Park or Seminole Heights. They are examples of what some urban planners call “missing middle” housing. That’s low-rise housing built at a scale compatible with single-family houses, but at higher densities, making them candidates for meeting a growing demand for walkable urban housing.“How to Create Walkable Urban Housing? One Answer: Look to the Middle” – Tampa Bay Times

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Monday Morning Memo –Monday Morning Memo is a weekly update of “insider downtown information” regarding developments, transportation, special opportunities and other useful information to help you make the most of downtown. Subscribe to receive this weekly newsletter.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership serves as the steward of Downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private partnerships, and encouraging Downtown’s physical and economic development. As a proactive leadership organization, the Tampa Downtown Partnership acts as an advocate for the Downtown community.